Although AMG was formally founded in 1967, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher (the G comes from Aufrecht’s birthplace Grossaspach) were two former Mercedes engineers that had already forged a reputation in Motorsport. Using the 300SE engine they built in their spare time, Manfred Shiek won the German Touring Car Championship an outstanding 10 times!

Regardless of this runaway success, Alfrecht’s vision was to develop road cars modeled after successful racing cars; a vision that Melcher ultimately shared. Almost immediately their revamped engines became a must for private racing teams and 1971 company folklore was made during the 24 hours of Spa; when a heavy Mercedes luxury sedan powered by AMG was Champion in its Class AND the big 300 SEL 6.8 beat out the majority of the lighter race cars to win 2nd place overall.

From the 1970’s to the 90’s AMG expanded on its reputation for high performance vehicles, and the growth the company experienced during this period necessitated a move from the former Mill in Burgstall to a purpose built workshop in Affalterbach.

In 1984, following Melcher’s 4 valves-per-independent-cylinder-head innovation, AMG became an engine manufacturer and in 1986 put their 5.0 litre V8 into ‘The Hammer’, an E-Class coupe icon, renowned for being the world’s fastest passenger sedan of its time and thus cemented the AMG legend.

In the late 80’s Daimler-Benz and AMG became official racing partners, a period highlighted by the success of the 190; a racecar that won a total of 50 DTM victories over 6 years. Then in 1990, a cooperation agreement was signed between the two companies; AMG had joined the Daimler-Benz family. Within 3 years the company unveiled their first jointly developed car, the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG.

Today the range boasts 20+ AMG high-performance vehicles with power outputs ranging from 301kW to 552kW and a model selection from Roadsters to SUV’s (and everything in between). Each AMG model is an all-round performance vehicle which excites with unique power delivery, has exquisite engine sound and exemplary handling and all of course have exclusivity and precise workmanship coming as standard.

This year sees the launch of the AMG GT S and the AMG C 63 S; both models typify the brands ethos and both are jaw-droppingly good looking.

The AMG GT S combines driving dynamics and first-class racetrack performance with superb everyday practicality and efficiency that sets a new standard in the sports car segment. Its front mid-engine concept and aluminum lightweight construction form the basis for a highly dynamic driving experience. The new 4 litre V8 bi-turbo produced on the ‘one man, one engine’ principle, responds instantly with extreme power right from low revs delivering figures such as 0-100 in 3.8s and a top speed of 310kph.

“With the new GT we are positioning Mercedes-AMG even more aggressively than to date as a dynamic sports car brand”, says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “With its technological substance, the Mercedes-AMG GT fulfills our high aspirations with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness. The new GT is the second sports car developed fully independently by Mercedes-AMG. The car is manufactured according to the motto ‘Handcrafted by Racers’ – which perfectly encapsulates our heritage and our spirit.”

Although the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is driven by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine closely related to the power unit that provides breath-taking propulsion in the Mercedes-AMG GT S (producing a staggering 375 kW of power, 0-100 in 4.1s) the C 63 S consumes just 8.6 litres/100 km (combined), making the C 63 S the most fuel-efficient eight-cylinder car in the high-performance segment.

“There has really been nothing quite like the previous C 63 and the new C 63 S won’t just move the goal posts, it creates a new sports ground. The C 63 has always represented an incredible mix of performance, dynamics, luxury, safety and equipment and the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is going to surprise and excite with the most comprehensive standard equipment inclusions yet,” says Mr von Sanden, Mercedes-Benz MD and CEO.

The image of AMG as the high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is reflected in its impressive successes in the world of motorsport and its unique range of vehicles. Today it is a one hundred percent subsidiary of Daimler AG and is the group’s technological spearhead in the high-performance car segment. The AMG brand promise of “Driving Performance” stands for state-of-the-art technology and pure driving excitement.